Đình An Thái

Did the builders of Đinh An Thái foresee its role in preserving a unique Vietnamese art form? Here, within the heart of Hanoi, stands Đinh An Thái, a communal house nestled in the Bưởi ward. Đinh An Thái isn’t just a beautiful structure. It’s a living testament to Vietnamese heritage, deeply entwined with the soul-stirring tradition of Hát Xoan. The story of Đinh An Thái begins, perhaps, in the late 18th or early 19th century during the Later Lê dynasty. The original structure, possibly located 50 meters from the current site, was relocated due to frequent flooding. The community carefully moved Đinh An Thái to its present location, maintaining its architectural style. This move likely occurred during the early Nguyễn dynasty, around the beginning of the 19th century. Đinh An Thái witnessed further renovations in 1936, 1940, and 1989, as evidenced by inscriptions on the structure. This communal house has played a pivotal role in preserving Hát Xoan, recognized by UNESCO in 2011 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. Imagine the vibrant performances echoing through the halls of Đinh An Thái. Three times a year, the community gathers here for festivals. The first festival, on the first day of the Lunar New Year, includes Hát Xoan performances. The second, on the seventh day of the first lunar month, also features Hát Xoan at the Cấm Temple. The third, on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, sees the community process from Cấm Temple to Đinh An Thái for another vibrant performance. The offerings presented during these festivals are a symbolic representation of the agricultural life of this community, nestled in the fertile Red River Delta, the very cradle of ancient Vietnam. Đinh An Thái itself, with its distinctive architecture and carvings, reflects this rich heritage. The main hall houses three thrones and elaborate decorations. The six rows of 36 pillars, each carved in a unique “vase-shaped” style, stand as silent witnesses to countless ceremonies. The roof, adorned with images of four phoenixes representing the four directions, shelters a community deeply connected to its past. Within Đinh An Thái, you’ll find relics that speak volumes about its history. From the five decrees conferring divine titles to the stele recording the bridge’s construction, each object tells a story. Look for the decree from the Quang Trung era in 1792, a testament to the recognition of those who protected and helped the people. Đinh An Thái stands not merely as a building, but as a cultural treasure, a place where history and art intertwine, ensuring that the legacy of Hát Xoan continues to resonate through time.